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Founder-led - Custom-Built - You Own the Code

We Solve the Problems
Other Software Can't

Most software is built for the average business. We dig into how your operation actually works - the edge cases, the complexity, the things that make you different - and build something that solves all of it. You own the code outright.

Book a Free Discovery Call → See client results
★★★★★5.0 on Clutch
Ranked #3 - The Manifest, Utah
V1 in 6–12 weeks
K
Kruz Merrill
Founder & Engineer
✦ You talk to me. I build it.
5.0
Clutch rating
#3
Manifest, Utah
6–12
Weeks to V1
100%
Code ownership
"Organized, proactive, clear communication. Delivered on schedule with 5.0 across quality, schedule, and cost."
- Department Director, BrightPath Dental Center
Who we work with

Built for Service Businesses

If your team manages jobs, crews, schedules, or client work - we build the systems that hold it all together.

⬡
HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical
Dispatch, service calls, maintenance contracts, parts tracking, technician job history, and QuickBooks integration.
◆
Pool, Lawn & Field Services
Route planning, crew dispatch, recurring job scheduling, mobile check-ins, and field-ready invoicing.
▲
Logistics & Fleet Operations
Fleet tracking, task workflows, team coordination, real-time reporting, and load management.
■
Property & Maintenance
Work orders, tenant portals, vendor management, inspection tracking, and maintenance history.
◇
Bookkeeping & Accounting
Client portals, job tracking, reporting dashboards, QuickBooks integrations, and document management.
●
Fitness & Wellness
Member apps, class scheduling, progress tracking, billing integrations.
What we build

Our Services

We keep our focus tight so we can deliver systems that actually work for the businesses that use them.

01
Customer-Facing Websites
Custom-coded marketing and lead-gen sites that look sharp, load fast, and are built for search from day one. Every site ships with Google Business Profile setup, Search Console, and analytics baked in.
SEO-optimizedGoogle BusinessSearch ConsoleFast & responsiveCustom designLead capture
Starting from $2,500–$6,000  ·  ships in 1–4 weeks
02
Operations Hubs
The central nervous system for your business. Jobs, tasks, crews, reporting, invoicing - all in one place, built around how your team actually works.
Admin dashboardsRole-based accessWorkflowsReporting
From $25,000–$60,000+
Projects scoped individually - starting budgets vary based on complexity.
03
Mobile + Web Apps
From idea to app store. iOS, Android, and web apps with clean UX, solid backends, and admin portals - designed for beta and iterated to launch.
iOS & AndroidWeb portalsBackend + APIBeta → launch
From $25,000–$60,000+
Projects scoped individually - starting budgets vary based on complexity.
04
Integrations & Automation
Connect the tools you already rely on. QuickBooks, Stripe, payroll, scheduling. We wire them together so your business runs smoother with less manual work.
QuickBooks / XeroStripePayrollCustom API
05
Managed Services
A part-time tech person on call who already knows your system. Hosting on dedicated infrastructure we monitor directly, feature development at a reduced rate, and direct access when something needs to change.
Dedicated hostingMonitoringDirect accessFeature dev
Monthly retainer  ·  scoped to your system
How we work

Idea to Shipped Product

No surprises, no scope creep without your sign-off. A clean process that holds every time.

01
Discovery & Scoping
We map out V1 features, define what's not in scope, and give you a clear timeline and cost before any code is written.
02
Design & Prototype
Interactive wireframes so you can see and feel the product before production code starts. Fast, direct feedback loops.
03
Build & Iterate
Working software in short sprints. You see progress weekly and can course-correct before anything goes too far.
04
Launch & Stay Supported
Bug warranty included, then seamless transition to managed services. Hosting, monitoring, and direct access to the person who built it.
Kruz Merrill - Founder of Merrill Digital Systems
Kruz Merrill
Founder & Engineer
LinkedIn Clutch Profile [email protected]
A builder, not an agency

The person you talk to is the person who builds it

Merrill Digital Systems is a founder-led software studio based in Utah. We don't pitch decks and hand off to junior devs - every line of code, every design decision comes from the same person you spoke to on day one.

I started MDS because I kept seeing service businesses stuck between tools that don't talk to each other and custom software that costs a fortune and never ships. There's a better way, and I'm building it.

Real systems deployedto real businesses
Transparent scopetimeline & pricing
Integrates with toolsyou already use
Built for long-termsupport, not handoffs
Recognition

What Clients & Industry Say

Real feedback and verified rankings from clients and industry platforms.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Their project management was organized and proactive throughout. Clear communication, regular progress updates, and delivered on schedule with 5.0 across quality, schedule, and cost."
BD
Department Director
BrightPath Dental · Web App
Clutch ✓
#3
The Manifest - Utah
Freelance Web Development
5.0
Clutch Rating
Verified client reviews
#3
Salt Lake City
App Management · Manifest
Case studies & results

Outcomes We've Delivered

We don't just write code - we solve business problems. Here is the real impact our work generates.

Ops
Live
Operations Hub · Bookkeeping
↗ 15 hrs/week saved
Internal Operations OS
Custom ops hub for a bookkeeping firm - job tracking, reporting, and team coordination in one system. Eliminated triple data entry across three disjointed SaaS tools.
Ops HubWorkflowsReportingAPI Sync
CCL
Live
Landscaping · Web + Digital
↗ 40% more lead capture
CCL Pro
Website plus full digital stack: search-friendly structure, GMB optimization, analytics setup. Turned a digital brochure into a local lead engine.
Lead-gen siteLocal SEOGMB
Dir
Live
Internal Directory · HR
↗ Streamlined compliance
Company Directory
Centralized internal site: announcements, role-based permissions, location verification, HR, training, and compliance pages - built in Zoho Creator.
Zoho CreatorDelugeRBAC
West
Active Build
Field Operations Platform · Industrial Services
↗ Time tracking cut from hours to minutes
Western Field Operations Platform
Custom platform for complex field ops with no-address job sites, multi-rate pay structures, live field visibility, and payroll-ready time capture built around how crews actually work.
Field OpsTime CapturePayroll LogicMobile
Primis
Beta
Fitness App · iOS & Android
Primis
Personal fitness and nutrition for busy lifters. Workout programs, macro tracking, progress streaks. Minimal friction, maximum consistency.
ExpoTypeScriptiOS & Android
Structura
Beta
Checklists & Workflows
Structura
Recurring checklists and templates so teams run the same processes consistently every time. Multi-tenant with goals and analytics.
Next.jsTypeScriptAPI
Interactive Tool

How Much is Manual Work Costing You?

See exactly how quickly a custom operations hub pays for itself by eliminating double data entry, dispatch errors, and manual reporting.

Reduce admin overhead by up to 40%
Reclaim 10–15 hours per manager per week
Scale your business without scaling headcount
Monthly cost of manual work:$5,413
Annual cost:$65,000
Estimated payback on custom software
2.8 Months
Stop Burning Money on Busywork →
Common questions

Things You're Probably Wondering

Straight answers, no agency-speak.

How much does a project cost? ▼
Custom websites: $2,500–$6,000. Operations software and mobile apps: $25,000–$60,000+ for V1. We define scope, timeline, and cost before writing any code - no surprises.
How long does it take to build? ▼
Custom websites: 1–4 weeks. Scoped V1 software: 6–12 weeks depending on complexity. The timeline holds because we define scope before we start.
Do I own the code when it's done? ▼
Yes, fully. Your custom system is yours upon final payment - no vendor lock-in, no subscription required to keep using it. We build on proven internal frameworks that speed up delivery, but everything built specifically for your business belongs to you.
What happens after launch? ▼
Every project ships with a bug warranty - 90 days for websites, up to 150 days for custom software. Beyond that, most clients move to a managed services retainer: dedicated hosting, direct access to the person who built the system, ongoing monitoring, and feature development at a reduced rate. It's like having a part-time tech person on call who already knows your codebase.
I just have an idea, not a spec. Is that okay? ▼
Absolutely. Most of our best projects started as a rough conversation. For software, that's what the discovery phase is for - we help you define exactly what's needed before building.
Do you set up Google Business and Search Console too? ▼
Yes. Many clients want the site plus GMB claimed and optimized, Search Console verified, analytics set up, and full account handoff so you own everything. That's often bundled with local and service-business sites.

Have a project in mind?
Let's scope it out.

Whether it's a rough idea or a detailed spec - reach out. We'll get back within 24 hours. No pressure, no jargon, just a real conversation about what you're trying to build.

Book a Free Discovery Call →
Free consultation · No commitment · Reply within 24hrs
Get in touch

Let's Start a Conversation

Book a time directly on Kruz's calendar, or send a message below. We reply within 24 hours.

Book a Call

Skip the email. Grab a time.

Free 30-minute discovery call. No commitment - just a real conversation about what you're trying to build.

5.0
Clutch
#3
Manifest Utah
24h
Response time
✉️
📍
Location
Utah (remote-first)